“I was fond of my Easy-Bake Oven as a child,” admits Rachel Willis. So it’s not a big leap to learn that she grew up to become founder, owner, and chief baker of Cakes by Rachel. There was a little preparation along the way. Willis attended the New England Culinary Institute and spent several years […]
Getting married has become a reason to go all out with a huge event—often the bigger the better. For couples who want to celebrate their commitment without months of decision-making and a five-figure price tag, Albemarle CiderWorks has developed a less-is-more option: your very own microwedding. This year, on June 6, the cidery hosted its […]
Imagine that an average day in your job includes processing felony criminal cases, civil legal actions, deeds, mortgages and refinancings, wills, concealed-carry permits—and marriages. When people ask what you do, what would you say? Llezelle Dugger’s response: “I’m Clerk of Court for Charlottesville Circuit Court.” “There are 850 duties in the job description,” she says. […]
In a town with no shortage of picturesque places to pop the question, Shaniece Bradford offers a way to take things up a notch: personalized picnics. Just Be Picnic offers an intimate experience for two (or a group—for pre-wedding parties!) anywhere you can think of: your home, Airbnb, favorite park, or local winery. Bradford, whose […]
When Erin Kinsey launched her wedding planning business in 2020, she became immersed in celebrations—and noticed how trends can make weddings feel similar. That realization led to Skylark Vintage, her Afton-based mobile bar cart. Inspired by Stevie Nicks, the venture blends softness and edge through curated vintage details. Kinsey renovated the trailer herself and offers […]